Friday, April 30, 2010

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Lt. Col. James Clark, 74th Fighter Squadron commander, does his preflight check before take off during a surge operation here April 27, 2010. The 74th FS set a goal of flying nearly 140 sorties in three days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

4/30/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 74th Fighter Squadron recently conducted surge operations from April 26 to 28 with a goal at the end of the three days to fly 174 sorties.

The squadron's main focus during the surge operations was to test their capability to produce as many sorties within the three-day span and to simulate pilots' war-time flying rates. A successfully generated flight is considered to be a single sortie.

"Conducting surge operations is a great opportunity to build morale while at the same time prepares our personnel for deployments," said Capt. Jeremy Jacobson, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in-charge. "In addition, it helps increase flying hours and sorties as well as pushes the limits of pilots, maintainers and support functions."

During the surge, the squadron produced a total of 205 sorties--38 sorties more than originally planned.

"I've been flying this jet since 1996 and I've never seen a unit produce this many sorties," said Lt. Col. James Clark, 74th Fighter Squadron commander and A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot.

To accomplish the 205 sorties, each pilot spent at least five hours a day flying the aircraft.

"Most pilots were flying three lines a day and would turn over the aircraft so another pilot could fly two more sorties," said Captain Jacobson. "It's so impressive to have observed the continuous efforts of everyone to help generate as many sorties as possible."

The surge was not only a test to see how many sorties could be produced, but a learning tool for maintainers as well.

"It is an opportunity for maintainers to test their learned skills," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Townes Jr., 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent. "When they see the number of aircraft they launched during the three days, they see the fruits of their labor and realize how vital they are to the mission. It also reminds them that as a team they can accomplish anything."

Although the surge lasted for only three days, it took two months of preparation to organize the event.

"We made sure that everyone was up-to-date in all of their training," said Captain Jacobson. "All of our A-10s also went through early maintenance so they would be ready to fly during the three days."

After the successful three days and months of planning, Captain Jacobson said it was the hard work and dedication that made the execution of the surge possible.

"We have far exceeded our goals and I want to thank everyone for their hard work," he said.

The 74th FS will use the surge operations event as a template for the upcoming Phase II Operational Readiness Exercises.

I extracted the following news article from "The Flying Razorback" (official 188th Fighter Wing newspaper), May 2010 public online PDF issue, just found by trying Google yesterday:

By Capt. Heath Allen188th Public Affairs

FORT SMITH, Ark. — The 188th Fighter Wing entered the social media age with the premiere of its newest communication tool. The 188th Public Affairs Office launched the Air National Guard unit's official Facebook page April 15.

Individuals seeking more information about the 188th, an Arkansas ANG unit based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, can not only visit the unit's Web site, www.188fw.ang.af.mil, for information about the wing they can also interact with past and present unit members as well as the community and 188th supporters on Facebook.

The 188th's new Facebook page can be found by searching "188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard" or by logging onto Facebook and visiting the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Smith-Ark/188th-Fighter-Wing-Arkansas-Air-National-Guard/1133971391965?ref=mf.

The 188th's newest communication forum allows individuals to download photos of the unit and to post comments and questions as well as photos or videos of subject matter that pertains to unit activities.

The 188th reserves the right to censor posts for inappropriate materials. All photos or videos involving military operations, either at home station or abroad, must be approved for release by appropriate public affairs personnel.

The Department of Defense issued a new social media policy that military officials feel will likely expand access to popular social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter by troops using military computers.

"This directive recognizes the importance of balancing appropriate security measures while maximizing the capabilities afforded by 21st century Internet tools," said Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III in a statement.

While the 188th currently does not have access to Facebook on base, its members currently deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, or anywhere around the globe can use the unit's new page to communicate with friends and family.

The Arkansas Army National Guard already has access to Facebook on its non-classified computer network, known by the acronym, NIPRNET (for Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network).

The Arkansas National Guard debuted its Facebook page last September with resounding success. Don Faul, who is the director of Online Operations at Facebook, also served six years active duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer before joining the company. He issued a statement about the new policy.

"Facebook is heartened by [the] decision to begin to allow our nation's men and women in uniform and civilian employees across the Department of Defense responsible access to social media, which plays an important role in people's daily lives," Faul said. "Facebook is an efficient way for people with real-world connections to share information and communicate and can be a particularly beneficial link between those stationed around the world and their families at home."

David M. Wennergren, deputy assistant secretary of defense for information management and technology, echoed those sentiments.

"The world of Web 2.0 and the Internet provides these amazing opportunities to collaborate," Wennergren said. "It not only promotes information sharing across organizational boundaries and with mission partners, but also enables deployed troops to maintain contact with their loved ones at home."

Individuals interested in additional information concerning DoD's latest policy on social media can visit the following link: http://socialmedia.defense.gov/index.php/2010/02/26/dod-official-policy-on-newsocialmedia/.

I extracted the following stand-allone picture from "The Flying Razorback" (official 188th Fighter Wing newspaper), May 2010 public online PDF issue, just found by trying Google yesterday:

An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" prepares to take off at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, March 22, 2010. The 188th Fighter Wing, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, deployed more than 250 Airmen to Kandahar to share a four-month Aerospace Expeditionary rotation with the 175th Fighter Wing, an A-10 Air National Guardunit based in Baltimore, Maryland. Approximately 50 members of the 188th deployed to Kandahar January 4, 2010. More than 200 Airmen from the 188th departed Fort Smith March 8, 2010, to join unit members already in Kandahar. The 188th is slated to return home from its AEF rotation in May 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior AirmanNancy Hooks / 451st Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs)Full size

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Three A-10C Thunderbolt IIs fly in formation beside a KC-135 during an aerial refueling mission in the Tombstone Military Operating Area in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010. Six pilots from the 358th Fighter Squadron completed their first aerial refueling mission as part of their A-10C pilot initial qualification course to become fully qualified A-10C attack pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Note: Visible in the foreground is A-10C 665 with blue fin-flashes from the 354th Fighter Squadron, followed by A-10C 167 (still without new fin-flashes), and another A-10C (also still without new fin-flashes).

1st Lt. Dan Griffin, a pilot assigned to the 358th Fighter Squadron, readies his A-10C beneath the boom of a KC-135 to receive 2,000 pounds of fuel during an aerial refueling mission in the Tombstone Military Operating Area in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010. Lieutenant Griffin is a student in the A-10C pilot initial qualification course and was one of six pilots from his squadron to refuel for the first time. Upon completion of the course in August he will become a fully qualified A-10C attack pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10 665.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Squadron, based out of Forbes Field, Kan., refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 355th Fighter Wing in the Tombstone Military Operating Area in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010. The crew and KC-135 supported refueling missions throughout the week so students enrolled in the A-10C pilot initial qualification course could accomplish their first-ever air-to-air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10 167.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Squadron, based out of Forbes Field, Kansas, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 355th Fighter Wing in the Tombstone Military Operating Area in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10 210.

Capt. Marjie Norton and Maj. Stacey Moore, both pilots from the 117th Air Refueling Squadron based out of Forbes Field, Kansas, fly the KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010, to support pilots from the 355th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Staff Sgt. Ben Tressler, an in-flight refueling specialist from the 117th Air Refueling Squadron based out of Topeka, Kansas, operates the boom of a KC-135 during an aerial refueling mission in the Tombstone Military Operating Area in Southern Arizona April 27, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Today, from aviation photographer and photojournalist Neil Dunridge from United Kingdom I got the following e-mail:

Hi Joachim,Offered these to the MD ANG to put on their facebook site, happy for you to use on your web site as well.RegardsNeil

Welcome as the latest Warthog News contributor, Neil. Nice to see at least some of your pictures already posted on 175th Wing's facebook site. And special thanks for sharing your exclusive Kandahar shots also on Warthog News.

On February 9, 2010, an A-10C is loaded with GBU-38 JDAM on station 4 and GBU-12 Paveway II with unusual Zebra stripes on station 5. The Hog in the background is from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), Fort Smith, Arkansas, also deployed for OEF with this ANG "Rainbow Team". Visible loadout: SUU-25 flare dispenser on station 2, LAU-131 rocket pod on station 3, either GBU-38 JDAM or Mk 82 on station 4, GBU-12 Paveway II on station 5, Mk 82 on station 7, GBU-38 JDAM on station 8, empty launch rail for AGM-65 Maverick on station 9, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Neil Dunridge)Full size

A-10C 80-0166 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), February 9, 2010. Visible loadout: SUU-25 flare dispenser on station 2, LAU-131 rocket pod on station 3, either GBU-38 JDAM or Mk 82 on station 4, GBU-12 Paveway II on station 5, Mk 82 on station 7, GBU-38 JDAM on station 8, empty launch rail for AGM-65 Maverick on station 9, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Neil Dunridge)Full size

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

4/26/2010 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft is brought into a hangar to have structural work done here April 1, 2010. The aircraft maintenance shop cut away a damaged hinge and remanufactured the part due to a shortage in stock. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

The entire rescue operation is expected to be completed in one hour from the time of the emergency is call in to the patients return to base or a medical treatment facility.

Although Angel Thunder is full of extreme exercise scenarios, the participants are still expected to meet real-world goals.

A CSAR mission is comprised of many layers of capabilities working together to successfully rescue the isolated personnel, said the survival specialist from the 336th Training Group at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., who was on the ground instructing the survivors during the exercise, while also playing the role of a victim.

"The first layer was just aircraft coming into the area, basically making sure that there were no enemy threats on the ground that could do any damage to the recovery vehicle that was coming in," the SERE specialist said. "That's exactly what we want to see out there, that everyone is safe and that nothing happens to the survivors on the ground."

After authenticating the number of survivors and the location for where the rescue was going to take place, the SERE specialist got word through his radio that the area was clear and the rescue helicopters were coming in.

Two pararescue teams were dropped into the area where they assessed the patients on the ground, prepared them for travel and called back to the Pave Hawks for pick up.

The Warthogs provided cover during the rescue as well, firing into desert targets meant to simulate tanks south of the recovery site.

"That was like the best case scenario as far as the number of aircraft involved," said the SERE specialist. "It can be done with a lot less however if there was a need for more, they could probably add a couple more birds, we have so much air superiority right now."

However, with such a high number of patients, it's common that independent duty medical technicians would also fly along on similar missions, said Tech. Sgt. Wayne Johnson also from the 336th TRG.

"The PJ's play a really big part in personnel recovery," Sgt. Johnson said, who participated as real-world medical support during this exercise. "They're the first responders. They'll come in under fire to collect patients, give initial evaluations, stabilize the patient and bring them back to infinitive care where an IDMT will then take over."

Having a SERE specialist play the role of a survivor helps everyone involved in the recovery process understand what was done correctly or what could have been done better during the mission, said the SERE participant.

"One of our tasks, as far as SERE, is to work hand in hand with personnel recovery making sure that survivors are personally taken into account versus not thinking about them as survivors," he said. "We make sure the PJ's know exactly what to do as far as authentication and what the survivor may be expected to do when they are on the ground."

SERE specialists at Fairchild AFB, teach all aircrew that could be in harm's way the fundamentals of survival, evasion, resistance and escape. They are taught exactly what to do if they find themselves isolated on the ground.

"The simplest things are how to find shelter, food and procure water," said the SERE specialist. "The evasion side of training includes teaching ways of survival so they can't be caught."

Angel Thunder is incorporating all aspects of military, civil and political personnel recovery to ensure all participants are getting the most real-world experience and practice to simulate a comprehensive response to the recovery of military personnel in hostile environments, civilians affected by nearby combat and disaster/humanitarian relief operations.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Minutes ago, under this headline 175th Wing Public Affairs released the following archived photo:

An A-10C Thunderbolt II jet taxis in on the flightline at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, after a mission October 27, 2007. The A-10Cs are assigned to the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is made up primarily of members of the Maryland Air National Guard. They are the first unit to use the A-10C in a combat zone. Its upgrades have made air power much more efficient and have streamlined the close air support mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez / Released)Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 78-0637 from the 104th Fighter Squadron. And I can tell you: This USAF picture was never released online before.

Visible combat loadout: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser on station 2, AGM-65 Maverick on station 3, GBU-12 on station 4, GBU-38 JDAM on station 8, LAU-131 Rocket Pod on station 9, AN/AAQ-28 Litening AT targeting pod on station 10.

The Tallahassee-based manufacturer Syn-Tech Systems Inc. has been awarded a $5.7 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to supply nine ammunition loading systems for the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft.

Syn-Tech CEO Doug Dunlap said this afternoon that the company will manufacture and deliver the equipment over the coming two years. He anticipates that Syn-Tech will be hiring additional personnel because of this and other work, including continued demand for the company's Fuelmaster management system for operators of vehicle fleets.

Deans Foods, the nation's largest dairy company, is a new customer and will use the commercial version of Fuelmaster for its trucks. "There is a continued demand for our products even during this recession," Dunlap said, adding that the fuel management system saves users money on their vehicle operations.

The automated ammunition loader, another Syn-Tech product developed years ago, enables ground crews to reload an A-10 or the Air Force's AC-130 aircraft and get them airborne more quickly during military operations.

4/22/2010 - Actors from the HBO show "The Sopranos," James Gandolfini and Tony Sirico, Rose McGowan from the television series "Charmed" and Jon Stinchcomb, starting offensive tackle for the 2010 Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints, pose for a photo in front of a 188th Fighter Wing A-10C Thunderbolt II at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, March 30, 2010, as part of a USO tour of bases in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Keith Moore / Arkansas Air National Guard Public Affairs officer)Hi-res

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

In an article by Glenn Tanner, P-I Staff Writer, published April 21, 2010; 12:16 PM CDT, The Paris Post-Intelligencer reported:

[...] Friday morning at 10 a.m., the focus of the week — the grand parade — will start moving down East Wood Street toward the fairgrounds.

Leading the parade this year will be Col. David Hicks of the U.S. Air Force, who is this year’s grand marshal.

A 1985 graduate of Henry County High School, Hicks entered the Air Force as an A-10 “Warthog” pilot, Hicks has flown missions for Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among others.

A past deputy chief of the Air Combat Command’s Weapons and Tactics Division, he is currently serving as the operations officer of the 66th Weapons Squadron. [...]

4/21/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A chaff module dropped from an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 23rd Fighter Group during an April 19 training flight.

The aircraft landed safely at Moody but the dropped module is expected to be located between Moody, Lakeland, Dupont, Homerville and Pearson, Ga.

The chaff module is a metallic box that is approximately 6 inches long by 8 inches wide by 8 inches thick, and contains up to 30 bundles of chaff, which are square with plastic end caps. The metallic box will have an external U.S. Air Force marking.

If the chaff module is found, contact the 23rd Wing Command Post immediately at (229) 257-3501.

Anyone who finds the chaff module is reminded not to touch or move it. If the chaff module is disturbed, the ignition sequencer in the chaff could fire causing the chaff to eject posing a safety hazard.

Although each bundle within the chaff module contains very small amounts of chaff, the entire assembly should be treated with caution.

"We are committed to finding the cause and preventing further occurrences of this type of incident," said Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander.

For more information, call the 23rd Wing Public Affairs Office at (229) 257-3395.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A chaff module dropped from an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 23rd Fighter Group during an April 19 training flight. The chaff module is a metallic box that is approximately 6 inches long by 8 inches wide by 8 inches thick, and contains up to 30 bundles of chaff, which are square with plastic end caps. The metallic box will have an external U.S. Air Force marking. The aircraft landed safely at Moody but the dropped module is expected to be located between Moody, Lakeland, Dupont, Homerville and Pearson, Ga. If the chaff module is found, contact the 23rd Wing Command Post immediately at (229) 257-3501. (Courtesy photo/RELEASED)

4/21/2010 - Staff Sgt. Rafael Gabriel, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew team chief, performs final steps from a checklist after loading munitions onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the 52nd Fighter Wing Load Crew of the Quarter competition April 16, 2010. The competition pitted three of the wing's best load crews against each other to crown the best for the first quarter of 2010. The competition consisted of a dress and appearance evaluation and composite tool-box inspection. The teams were challenged to have the fastest times while completing a munitions load with no safety write-ups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nick Wilson)

4/21/2010 - Airman 1st Class Zachary Rubinstein, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew team member, ensures the MHU-83 jammer boom is in the correct position during the 52nd Fighter Wing Load Crew of the Quarter competition April 16, 2010. The MHU-83 jammer was chosen for the competition because of its challenging maneuverability as compared to other jammers. Airman Rubinstein bested two other Airmen and was crowned 52nd FW Jammer Driver of the Quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nick Wilson)Hi-res

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, sits on the ramp before a pre-flight inspection at MacDill AFB, Florida, April 1, 2010. Members of the 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, participated in Patriot Everglades, supporting the training of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston917th Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2010 - Barksdale Air Force Base, La. -- When breaking down the U. S. Air Force into parts as they would relate to human body, the maintenance community would no doubt be the back bone.

It supports the body, and without it, the body would soon cease to respond productively to the commands from the brain.

Members of the maintenance community of the 917 Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., reinforced this analogy by their performance at Mac Dill AFB, Fla., during a training exercise called Patriot Everglades, from approximately March 26 through April 9, 2010.

The 917th Wing supplied over 100 Airmen to the evolution, including pilots, and aircraft from the 47th Fighter Squadron, as well as Airmen from 917th Operations Group, 917th Maintenance Group, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 917th Munitions Squadron, life support and administrative support personnel.

The actual training evolutions took place at Avon Park, a bombing range between Tampa and Miami, Fla.

The purpose of Patriot Everglades was to train Joint Terminal Attack Controllers or JTACs as they are commonly known in combat circles. These Airmen are considered throughout the U.S. military as the experts in air-to-ground operations.

This type of training is held several times a year at different locations across the United States to assist JTACs in maintain their expertise in the field.

From beginning to end the training for these special operations Airmen is intense. They must be ready at all times to be embedded with Army and Special Forces units and live as their counterparts do in the field.

Training for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations was also conducted during Patriot Everglades.

Patriot Everglades was not only a benefit to the Special Forces Airmen preparing to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, but to the 917th Airmen who provided the support for the training evolutions.

"Our (Airmen) are operating out of their own environment, improvising, adapting and thinking on their feet," said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Murray, 917th Maintenance Squadron, superintendent. "Some of these guys are being thrown into positions outside their career fields. From a leadership standpoint, it's good to see how they operate under those circumstances."

To keep operations moving smoothly, maintenance personnel worked three overlapping shifts during a work day of two-weeks of Patriot Everglades. The first shift was responsible for setting up operations for the day about getting the first sorties in the air and recovered. The second shift covered the second round of daily sorties and prepared for the next day while a third mid-shift consisted mainly of administration and refueling personnel.

Although the role of the 917th Wing was to support the JTAC training, the benefits to the 47th FS pilots, and wing maintenance personnel, who participated in Patriot Everglades is undisputable. Pilots were able to maintain their flying requirements and maintenance personnel experienced doing their jobs in a deployed location.

For the maintenance squadron its importance is unquestionable.

"As we ready (ourselves) to change to a combat coded unit, we must take every opportunity to look at shortfalls or changes needed to be incorporated for the challenge of upcoming deployments," said Maj. J. A. Clamon, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintenance operations officer.

"Although (this deployment) has given (us) a break from home base, we have a job to do. If we don't have the parts, we scramble to get them from home station," the Major said.

Parts or items needed to be replace or repaired by maintenance personnel are shipped from home station as quickly as possible. If an aircraft is out of commission a spare aircraft, which was brought along specifically for this purpose, is used until the repairs are made.

While pilots may be the right hand and maybe a logistics squadron the left, without a back bone to protect the nervous system the parts of body won't work together as planned. Without professional dedicated maintenance personnel to keep the planes in the air, the Air Force mission just doesn't get done.

For 917th Wing Maintenance Group personnel there is but one job ... keep em' flying.

Lt. Col. James Marks, 47th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations, performs his pre-flight check before taking off in an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the runway at MacDill AFB, Florida, April 1, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

Lt. Col. James Macaulay, deputy commander, 917th Operations Group, responds to the directions of Technical Sgt. Christopher Duhe to throttle up and prepare to taxi his aircraft at MacDill AFB, Florida, April 1, 2010. Sergeant Duhe, a crew chief for the 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Colonel Macaulay, are just two of the more than 100 Airmen from the 917th Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., who participated in Patriot Everglades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

4/20/2010 - Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. -- The 127th Wing will be conducting an Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE) here on April 21 and 22, 2010. The exercise is designed to test the airmen's wartime ability to survive and operate. Simulated wartime activity will occur in the designated play area of Selfridge in the central and southeast portion of the base. Core hours for this exercise will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

Residents in the Harrison Township area may hear blank M-16 gun fire, explosions and witness smoke of various colors that will be used in this training which is preparing the unit for an upcoming inspection.

Questions or concerns about these events can be addressed to the 127th Wing Public Affairs Office at (586)239-5576.

Altus AFB, Okla. - Operating the A-10 Thunderbolt II, U.S. Air Force Col. William DeMaso, vice commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia, flies parallel to younger brother U.S. Air Force Maj. Lewis DeMaso, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 54th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus AFB, March 21, 2010. Colonel DeMaso received fuel from his brother Major DeMaso for his A-10C during his return trip from Tucson back to Moody AFB. The DeMaso brothers are from Maspeth, N.Y. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo release / 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Myles Stepp97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2010 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Air Force siblings and natives to Maspeth, N.Y., reunited in the skies over Colorado March 22. Despite a 13 year age difference and separate career paths, fate and strategic planning brought them together for a rare reunion in the skies above Colorado.

Major DeMaso, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 54th Air Refueling Squadron, met up with his brother who was flying an A-10 Thunderbolt II from Tucson, Ariz., to Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Maj. Lewis DeMaso refueled his older brother, Col. William DeMaso, at 21,000 feet during an in-flight refueling mission. Both brothers agreed that it was the flying highlight of their career.

"What are the odds that the both of us would be pilots; what are the odds that each of us would be flying planes designed to meet up in flight," questioned Major DeMaso. "And due to our age difference, what are the odds that my brother would be still flying for the Air Force at 23 years of service?"

Colonel DeMaso originally planned to stop at Altus AFB to refuel but his flight schedule would not allow for a gas-and-go. Only an in-flight refueling mission would get Colonel DeMaso and his plane back to base on time. Before his departure from Tucson, preparations were made for an Altus AFB tanker to top off his aircraft.

"There was a slim chance that I would get a tanker and it was an astronomically smaller chance it would be my brother," said Colonel DeMaso, vice commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB.

It just so happened that Major DeMaso was scheduled to fly for training that day and was informed that his brother would be passing over and needed fuel. Major DeMaso also brought along two extra boom operators to practice refueling a fighter plane.

"It was a win-win training situation for everybody," said Major DeMaso. "My brother was refueled, three booms received training and I got to see my brother."

As siblings, they have the opportunity to see each other during holidays or special occasions, but meeting one another in flight is an unusual story.

"I would imagine that this will be the first and last time I will get this opportunity," he said. "Years ago, if you told me I would have a chance to refuel my brother, I would say 'Prove it!'"

Altus AFB, Okla. – U.S. Air Force Maj. Lewis DeMaso, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 54th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, provides aerial refueling to his older brother U.S. Air Force Col. William DeMaso, vice commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia, March 21, 2010. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo release / 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)Hi-res

Official USAF online biography of Colonel William C. DeMaso (as of June 2009) Hi-res

Colonel Bill DeMaso is a fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II. His assignments have taken him around the globe and include combat missions during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Provide Comfort and Deny Flight where he employed the A-10 and F-15E in close support of U.S. and Coalition ground forces. He has served as a Flight Commander, an Air Officer Commanding of a Cadet Squadron, and an Army Air Liaison Officer, where he taught close air support techniques to forward air controllers.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.